Variation in the Life Span and Size of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel

Bauer, G.

doi:10.2307/5333

Cited by 206 publications

(220 citation statements)

References 49 publications

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“…Adult pearl mussels can actively move by pumping haemolymph into their foot, but they are very sessile in comparison with other naiads. Freshwater pearl mussels are among the longestlived invertebrates known, frequently reaching ages of more than 100 years (Bauer, 1992) and a maximum length of 15 cm. The maximum age reached is highly variable among populations and seems to primarily depend on growth rates.…”

Section: Percentage Of Total [%]mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Strategies for the conservation of endangered freshwater pearl mussels (Margaritifera margaritifera L.): a synthesis of Conservation Genetics and Ecology

2010

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Freshwater pearl mussels (Margartifera margaritifera L.) are among the most critically threatened freshwater bivalves worldwide. The pearl mussel simultaneously fulfils criteria of indicator, flagship, keystone and umbrella species and can thus be considered an ideal target species for the process conservation of aquatic ecosystem functioning. The development of conservation strategies for freshwater pearl mussels and for other bivalve species faces many challenges, including the selection of priority populations for conservation and strategic decisions on habitat restoration and/or captive breeding. This article summarises the current information about the species' systematics and phylogeny, its distribution and status as well as about its life history strategy and genetic population structure. Based on this information, integrative conservation strategies for freshwater mollusc species which combine genetic and ecological information are discussed. Holistic conservation strategies for pearl mussels require the integration of Conservation Genetics and Conservation Ecology actions at various spatial scales, from the individual and population level to global biodiversity conservation strategies. The availability of high resolution genetic markers for the species and the knowledge of the critical stages in the life cycle, particularly of the most sensitive post-parasitic phase, are important prerequisites for conservation. Effective adaptive conservation management also requires an evaluation of previous actions and management decisions. As with other freshwater bivalves, an integrative conservation approach that identifies and sustains ecological processes and evolutionary lineages is urgently needed to protect and manage freshwater pearl mussel diversity. Such research is important for the conservation of freeliving populations, as well as for artificial culturing and breeding techniques, which have recently been or which are currently being established for freshwater pearl mussels in several countries.

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Section: Percentage Of Total [%]mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, a great potential for recovery is offered by the longevity of this species, i.e. a lifespan of more than 100 years (Bauer, 1992), together with the high reproductive potential that adult pearl mussels have, even in polluted rivers and at extreme old age.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Strategies for the conservation of endangered freshwater pearl mussels (Margaritifera margaritifera L.): a synthesis of Conservation Genetics and Ecology

2010

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“…In addition to low MSR, slow gonad ripening and late onset of maturation at ages of 10-14 years in the ocean quahog (Thompson et al 1980), slow cell proliferation and growth are additional criteria characterising long-lived species (Bauer 1992;Mangel 2003). These slow rates of cell division enable individual cells in ocean quahog tissues to grow to large diameters.…”

Section: A Islandica (Gb)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Cell turnover in tissues of the long-lived ocean quahog Arctica islandica and the short-lived scallop Aequipecten opercularis

Strahl

Abele

2010

Mar Biol

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Cell proliferation and apoptosis were investigated in tissues of two bivalve species, Arctica islandica from the German Bight (age of bivalves: 33-98 years) and Iceland (7-148 years) and Aequipecten opercularis from the English Channel (2-4 years). High proliferation rates (10% nuclei dividing) and apoptosis in tissues of A. opercularis were in line with high-energy throughput and reduced investment into antioxidant defence mechanisms in the scallop. In contrast, cell turnover was slow (\1% nuclei dividing) in A. islandica and similar in mantle, gill and adductor muscle between young and old individuals. In the heart, cell turnover rates decreased with age, which indicates less-efficient removal of damaged cells in ageing A. islandica. Cell turnover rates, mass specific respiration and antioxidant enzyme activities were similar in German Bight and Iceland ocean quahog. Variable maximum life expectancies in geographically separated A. islandica populations are determined by extrinsic factors rather than by fundamental physiological differences.

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“…One of the most charismatic species inside this group is the critically endangered Margaritifera margaritifera (Linnaeus, 1758), which in recent years has received particular interest, mainly in Europe (Beasley and Roberts 1996;Cosgrove and others 2000;Hastie and others 2000a;Ostrovsky and Popov 2011;Reid and others in press). This interest is probably related with its fascinating life cycle that includes a suitable fish host (Salmo trutta or Salmo salar) and its requirement for exceptional habitat quality (Bauer 1992;others 2008, 2010). Historically, this species was widespread, but has suffered massive declines both in distribution and abundance in recent decades.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ecological Status of a Margaritifera margaritifera (Linnaeus, 1758) Population at the Southern Edge of its Distribution (River Paiva, Portugal)

Sousa

Amorim

Sobral

et al. 2013

Environmental Management

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An important population of the critically endangered pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera (Linnaeus, 1758) was surveyed at the edge of its southern distribution (River Paiva, Portugal). Although an earlier study suggested that this population had a very low number of individuals (\500), a narrow distribution, and was mainly comprised by old specimens our data contradict these findings. Our assessment estimated a population with probably more than 5,000 individuals distributed across 80 km of the river length. From the 32 sites surveyed, 19 contained M. margaritifera with higher abundances verified in the middle and upper parts of the river (a maximum of 78 ind. per 100 m of river stretch was recorded). The pearl mussels showed a clear preference for areas near the banks, in shallow water, sandier and gravel sediments, and a high degree of riparian vegetation cover. The population structure was skewed with a very high percentage of large (and old) animals but 3.7 % of the individuals collected were juveniles (\60 mm in length); therefore, this population can be considered functional. Environmental characterization indicated that this river is still in excellent or good condition although some areas showed deterioration due to discharge of domestic effluents. The main conservation requirements of M. margaritifera in the River Paiva include maintaining the water quality (and if possible stopping the discharge of domestic effluents), increasing riparian vegetation cover, removing several weirs to increase connectivity, and increasing trout density.

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Variation in the Life Span and Size of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel

Cited by 206 publications

References 49 publications

Strategies for the conservation of endangered freshwater pearl mussels (Margaritifera margaritifera L.): a synthesis of Conservation Genetics and Ecology

Strategies for the conservation of endangered freshwater pearl mussels (Margaritifera margaritifera L.): a synthesis of Conservation Genetics and Ecology

Cell turnover in tissues of the long-lived ocean quahog Arctica islandica and the short-lived scallop Aequipecten opercularis

Ecological Status of a Margaritifera margaritifera (Linnaeus, 1758) Population at the Southern Edge of its Distribution (River Paiva, Portugal)

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